Cineteca Nacional to Host Primary Students for Children's Film Screenings

Primary school students in Mexico City will soon have the opportunity to experience the magic of cinema at the Cineteca Nacional. A new agreement has been established to facilitate group visits for elementary school children to the institution's three locations, where they will watch specially selected children's films dubbed into Spanish.

Nelson Carro, the Cineteca's programming director, indicated that these activities are slated to commence with the upcoming school year. Initially, the program will focus on schools situated near the Cineteca's venues, with plans to gradually expand to encompass local boroughs and eventually reach a wider audience. This initiative stems from a collaborative agreement signed between Cineteca Nacional and the Federal Authority for Education in Mexico City (AEFCM).

"The first part is the simplest, as it involves selecting the films and bringing the children to the schools. We will arrange buses to bring groups of children to the three venues, allowing them to discover the Cineteca and see types of films they might not typically watch. Simply leaving their classrooms and going to the cinema will be an experience," Carro explained. He noted that the program could potentially bring up to 400 students at once, making it a significant undertaking.

Currently, only about 7% of the Cineteca Nacional's annual attendance comprises children. This new program is expected to substantially increase those numbers. Films like "Yuku and the Himalayan Flower" and "Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds" are among the animated features planned for screening. "Everything will be dubbed; the idea is to offer varied screenings featuring French, Belgian, Mexican, and other international films that have previously been shown at the Cineteca, encouraging students to discuss them in class," Carro added.

The agreement also encompasses the development of specific programs focused on film appreciation, audiovisual literacy, teacher training, exhibitions, film cycles, workshops, creative labs, academic encounters, and cultural activities tailored for the entire school community. This project was a long-held vision of Cineteca Director Marina Stavenhagen, finally coming to fruition nearly two years after she took office.